NORTH BEACH VILLAGE CHARRETTE: Urban Design | Fort Lauderdale, Florida

SCOPE OF SERVICES | Design Charrette

PROJECT STATUS | Published in TROPIC Magazine, February 2012

PROJECT  STATEMENT | Located between Fort Lauderdale’s Bonnet House Estate and Starwood’s W Hotel is a stretch of low-rise buildings begging for a re-birth. In its February 2012 issue, Tropic Magazine challenged 5 design teams to reimagine this area.  Cadence collaborated with PowersSchram Architects to create a sustained coastal destination. This is a village where environmental, economic, and social implications are equally considered to bring vitality back to the streets of Breakers, Terramar, VistaMar, and Windamar. Streets, that beg to once again live up to their suggestive names. Equal attention has been devoted to multi-modal access, versatile business opportunity, and investment in public open space. The vision for North Beach Village reunites old-Florida hospitality with a pedestrian focused village; echoing days when canopy trees towered over this beach front barrier island. The new North Beach Village offers the ability for Mid-Century buildings to be re-born. Empty parcels to be re-imagined and transformed, shared by a rotation of vendors, outdoor exhibits, performance artists, and students. North Beach Village will work to sustain itself, but support the City as a whole. This will be a progressive development model – honoring connection and collaboration.

Breaker’s Avenue was the specific area of focus for our team. Here on the Avenue, people are prioritized and automobiles are in the periphery. A tree canopy returns along the Avenue that was long ago lost to development. Live oaks, gumbo limbo, mahogany, and buttonwood now spill over the walls of the Bonnet House painting the sidewalks with shade. Mid-Century modern architecture will be renewed for a different generation to appreciate and enliven. Street-side activity flourishes year round for both residents and global travelers alike.

Sun Terrace Park (along the Intracoastal Waterway)

Street Front Parklet (along Breaker’s Avenue)

Rotating Market Space (vacant lot along Breaker’s Ave)

Cadillac Food Truck Square (vacant lot along Vistamar)

Art of Travel

What we find exotic abroad may be what we hunger for in vain at home. ~Alain de Botton

Five years ago I picked up a book by Alain de Botton titled The Art of Travel. Before purchasing the book I read several reviews on its brilliance and being someone who cherishes the importance of travel, I thought this book should be a perfect fit. Four different times over the years I picked up the book, yet never could I become entranced with the words. Sitting next to my beside atop the stack of books, The Art of Travel has been starring at me asking for another chance.

Last week I opened the book for a fifth time. We were headed to Amsterdam, Belgium and France. I thought, let me try reading Botton’s work while actually traveling. Viola, the magical state of mind that occurs when staring out the window of a plane or train unlocked the gate that before had been blocking Botton’s creative depiction of travel. The marvelous comparisons that Botton makes between how we experience travel and how travel effected the art of Baudelaire, Hopper, Maistre and Flaubert streamed so easily through my conscious.

Getting lost in the art of travel is something we just don’t allow ourselves to do as often as we should. You know, the type of travel that is long enough, and exotic enough to alter your normal state of mind. Days seem longer, the disconnection to your phone and internet is serene and daily responsibilities fade. The clarity at which I could understand the points that Botton was making on what makes a place exotic, the challenge of possessing beauty of a place, and finally the appreciation for just being in a place, confirmed my own inner thoughts. It was normal for me to day dream as I watched the city goers. Gazing at them as if they are in a snow globe and I am peering in on them from outside. It’s interesting to study people as they move about their everyday routine, viewing them as something exotic because they use a bike for primary transportation, or live in tilted apartments that seem so curious, or because they work in a cafe with only 6 table tops. This is the beauty of travel. A moment afforded to the traveler to observe, listen and absorb even the simplest of things that emerge as exotic.

If you are headed to a far away place or are looking to appreciate more of that which is your everyday life, pick up Botton’s book. There can be an art to everything that we do. Take time to possess the beauty that lay in the details of a place, celebrate that which is exotic, and appreciate the moments that make up your everyday life.

Lastly, never give up on a thought, a goal, a challenge. You never know when your mind and the location you find yourself in will unlock the perfect moment to see and understand something that you’ve never before been able to comprehend.

Bonus Share
If in Amsterdam you must experience Restaurant de Kas. The greenhouse is the restaurant and every single day the menu, a surprise. The ultimate farm-to-table experience.

Tweet

DAN MARINO FOUNDATION CAMPUS: Urban Design | Fort Lauderdale, Florida

PROJECT STATUS | Schematic drawings submitted. Construction scheduled for Spring/Summer 2012

PROJECT  STATEMENT | The Dan Marino Foundation is renovating 2.6 acres and a 15,000 square foot, 3-story building in downtown Fort Lauderdale as the first vocational college in the United States dedicated to young adults with Autism and other developmental disabilities. Cadence is providing master planning services for the campus as well as detail design and construction documentation for the exterior of the site. Elements include a street-front park and campus courtyard space that is fully integrated with the College’s educational program. Cadence collaborated with PowersSchram Architects, occupational therapists and the student population to further understand and design to particular sensitivities. Our team is proud to be part of a project with such a positive impact on both the redevelopment of downtown Fort Lauderdale, and the independence the students will gain by being a part of this College campus.

PIERREMONT RESIDENCE: Private Residence | Shreveport, Louisiana

PROJECT STATUS | In Progress

PROJECT DESCRIPTION | Cadence is currently working closely with the Client in the master planning of their residential property. The design team also includes architect, Jack Arnold, and the custom home builder. Collaborating intricately with the design team and the Client, the final master plan respects the existing lay of the land. Existing signature trees have been integrated into the landscape design. Rainwater harvesting, a native plant palette and other sustainable practices have also been incorporated. Cadence developed a design that provides adaptive outdoor living spaces that are comfortable and intimate for family gatherings, yet able to accommodate the entertaining of large events. This French Country inspired design integrates contemporary site furnishings and details, creating a unique juxtaposition of both traditional and modern garden design elements.

Start Something That Matters

We want YOU to help US start something that matters. What is ONE thing that every person has? TIME. Each and everyone of us has 24 hours every day. But what we choose to do with that time, is what really matters.

Here’s the challenge: Over the next two weeks, carve out two hours of your routine. The first hour: Do something for yourself that matters (spend extra time with your kids, take a class or spend an extra hour exercising) The second hour: Do something that matters for someone else (help your neighbor with chores, volunteer at the humane society or share your time with those in need)

When you are done with your two hours, share your story with us here.Tell us what you did, how it mattered and how it made you feel. Get creative, see how far you can make One for One work with your idea. Pictures or videos are welcome. We’ll review each post and the person with the most creative use of their take one hour, give one hour wins a hard copy of Start Something That Matters.

What are the rules?

• Keep it simple and fun. And remember creativity counts.
• Share this blog through Facebook to help spread the word.
• Post your story in the comments below, or to the Cadence Facebook page.

When is the deadline?

• Midnight on Wednesday, February 1st. Cadence will review posts and announce winner on Friday, February 3rd.

What is the Prize?

• Your own copy of Blake Mycoskie’s, Start Something That Matters

Why is Cadence doing this and how does it matter?

Blake and his team chose us for the Books for Bloggers Program and charged us with the task of hosting a creative contest. We believe in and are inspired by the One for One model. It’s about both give and take, not just take. Let’s work together to change the way we do something that matters.

We can only do this with your help. So join us to make a big impact, we can’t wait to see what you come up with.

Our Top Business Apps

Our schedules are always run-and-gun, which means iPhones and iPads are essential components in our arsenal of communication and design tools. We frequently find clients, friends and colleagues asking how we are able to manage so much work when we’re out of the studio. Our secret weapon: we’ve discovered some cool apps.

If there was ever a time to be a small business, that time is now. Yes, there are challenges galore, fears of the unknowns, and the constant job of doing more with less – but let’s focus on the positive. For the past two years, we have been overwhelmed with just how many resources there are for little, to no cost that make running a small, creative business easier. All in favor of keeping overhead down and productivity up? We are too. Efficient work makes for more downtime to unplug and re-energize with inspiration. Each app we’re about to share with you will help you increase your productivity around the office and elevate creativity on the go.

We use an abundance of apps throughout our work week – whether researching, designing, or managing a project. Here are the ten apps we just can’t go without.

Design Based Apps:

Autodesk Sketchbook – A very user friendly and nimble digital drawing app, perfect for on the spot sketching. Grab a stylus for the best precision and start choosing from a variety of pens, brushes and markers.

Adobe Photoshop Express – Quick editing and photo manipulation virtually anywhere. It’s like Photoshop’s little cousin – simply touch to crop, rotate, adjust color, and add artistic effects. Now you can show on the go with an online library.

Houzz – Inspiration by the truckload. A new platform for design professionals to showcase their portfolios. Create Ideabooks and tag images to catalog a wealth of high quality photos for your next home project or visioning boards.

Adobe Ideas – Express your ideas how they were meant to be – design using layers, vectors and color schemes. All which can then be transferred into Photoshop or Illustrator for the final touches.

Pandora and Spotify (yes, music makes for better design) – Pandora is an oldie, but goodie. Perfect for office background tunes. Spotify helps to discover new music and share it with your friends.

Getting Things Done (GTD) Apps:

Flow – Want to keep track of everything you need to get done? This app is a new way to keep your personal and professional life organized in one place. With the ability to create, delegate, and discuss tasks, Flow takes productivity to the max.

Harvest – Our go to app for time keeping and invoicing. We’ve introduced many friends to Harvest, and even appeared in their New Founders Program in early 2011. A must have app, these guys have developed an exceptional product with even better customer service.

HootSuite – All of your social media platforms kept neatly organized and managed in one place. The ability to create lists, schedule tweets, and manage posts makes social media convenient and efficient.

Dropbox – Online file sharing made so easy, a caveman could do it. No more overloaded inboxes or fumbling jump drives. DropBox offers up to 3GB of storage for your files. Their only competition, the endless possibilities of iCloud.

CalenGoo – Makes sure both business, and personal calendars always stay synced. Share work calendars with clients and interact with colleagues, all while scheduling meetings on the go. Now just be sure to plan your Friday afternoon to disconnect.

We know there are many other fantastic apps out there. Let us know which ones are your must-haves, or which ones are your guilty pleasures.

Start your 2012 with Something That Matters

On January 16th, we’ll be asking YOU to participate in an online contest with us – where you can have a chance to win your own copy of Blake’s inspirational book AND be a part of Starting Something That Matters. Sign up below, follow us on Twitter, or join us on Facebook as we reveal what matters and how you’ll help us make it happen. See you back here in January. Until then, let us know…

What would you do tomorrow if you could Start Something That Matters?

images credit: Start Something That Matters

Tweet

Start Something That Matters

In 2006, Blake Mycoskie launched a start-up – Shoes for Tomorrow, or more commonly known as TOMS. He started it on the simple model that for every shoe he sold, one shoe would be given to a child in need. Fast forward to 2011, Blake has given over 1 million pairs of shoes to children throughout South America and Africa. One simple idea = global impact.

Blake released Start Something That Matters in late 2011 with the idea to inspire people to love their work while simultaneously having a positive impact on the world. In true Blake style, he’s not choosing to promote the book traditionally. He reached out to the blogging community and decided to give two books to each contest winner. Their only charge? Read the book, review it, and host a contest on their blog to give the other book away. He’s putting One for One in action in two other ways as well. For every book sold, Random House Publishing will give one to First Book, who provides new books to children without books of their own. He will use 50% of the proceeds from this book to create the Start Something That Matters Fund. This Fund will specifically support readers inspired by the book to launch efforts that have a positive impact on the world.

So that is where we come in. As business owners that had actually looked to TOMS as a model for our own business, we jumped at the opportunity to read and promote this book. Here’s what we thought:

The book is written as if you’ve opened Blake’s journal. It is extremely personal, something you rarely find in a traditional “business read”. He offers candid insight into thoughts, relationships, and actions that were experienced along the road that lead to what we all know of TOMS today. But this is no ordinary business book. It is not over-done, it is not full of business jargon. There are no predictions of what the economy may or may not do and boasts no organization charts. It is simple and concise. That is why we loved it.

This book is uplifting, promoting the idea that doing work while living a fulfilled life is possible. Not one or the other. The principals set forth in the book promote a more sustainable existence. Don’t we all want to enjoy each day of our life? Do something everyday that is meaningful? It’s truly the business book for people looking to live and work consciously. He provides the reader with a clear set of principals such as face your fears, find your story, be resourceful without resources and keep it simple. Each of these principals are followed by realistic examples of how they have been applied either in his business or in other successful businesses he’s encountered. Blake is mindful to also include writings from other successful social entrepreneurs. It is a constant reminder of how sharing and giving can bring smart, like-minded people together to create meaningful products and conquer problems.

Start Something That Matters provides lists of effective resources (pages 92-95 have been permanently dog-eared) that are low to virtually no costs for new businesses. We can back this first hand, as many of the resources suggested are actually ones we still use today. Most of all, he makes a great case for conscious capitalism. There are no limits for a One for One model in all fields of work. The creativity of how you can simultaneously make a living, give, and possibly solve a problem, is a great lesson.

This book is ideal for anyone who is thinking of starting a business or a non-profit with the idea to succeed with a triple bottom line in mind – Socially, Economically, Environmentally. It is also a great book for folks like us, young business owners who have already started out to do something that matters. It is a great sounding board for finding examples and reasoning that the decision of creating an alternative business model has great merit for the future of business around the world.

So join the movement, give a book and Start Something That Matters.

Some of our other top reads for the year include:

• Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? Seth Godin
• Rework Jason Fried
• The Thank You Economy Gary Vaynerchuk
• The Presentations Secrets of Steve Jobs Carmine Gallo
• Hot, Flat, and Crowded Thomas L. Friedman
• High Line: The Inside Story of New York City’s Park in the Sky Joshua David and Robert Hammond
• End Malaria Sixty-two authors, one great cause
• Earth from Above Yann Arthus-Bertrand

With the holidays upon us, thoughts of giving, spending time with family and holiday meals fill our heads. But think how much impact the holidays could have if what we choose to give has minimal impact on the environment, supports a great cause or possibly solves a problem. This holiday season, try your hand at UpGifting (a similar concept to Upcycling). These companies make sure the product you purchase has a bigger impact than just the initial happiness granted to the person that opens your gift.

Project Repat

Most old T-shirts end up in foreign countries, sold to t-shirt middle men who operate vast t-shirt markets. Project Repat aims to make difference. Their  solution to bring vintage t-shirts back to the American market while helping build sustainable small businesses in other countries is an innovative business model.

Revolution Apparel

A start-up company started by two young women interested in travel, the environment, fashion, and sustainability. This new clothing company is looking to revolutionize the clothing industry, removing waste, unfriendly labor and environmental practices, while still providing stylish clothing options for women.

Green Toys

Excess packaging, toxic materials, and unfavorable manufacturing processes are just a few of the negative side effects found in the toy making industry. All of Green Toys products are made from recycled milk jugs, have minimal packaging and are made right here in the United States.

CSA gift certificates

Give the gift of health! Locally grown food. A year of shares from your local urban farm or community garden.

TOMS shoes/sunglasses

The TOMS One for One concept is growing. This time, TOMS is tackling the issue of eye care in developing countries. Their new line of sunglasses offers customers with a chance to give sight to one person through medical treatment, prescriptions glasses or sight saving surgery for each pair of glasses they purchase.

Altruette

Two former Fortune Magazine editors decided to create a product that Looks Good and Does Good all in one. The Altruette charm bracelet has an array of charms representing non-profits organizations. With the purchase of each charm, half of the proceed goes to the non-profit. The charm bracelet re-imagined.

Good for you Girls

Why not start young girls out on the right foot with using products free of toxins, parabens, and packaged sustainably. Good for you Girls does just that!

Christmas Cards as ornaments

This clever little Christmas card ornament solves the problem of what to do with the cards you receive. Now those cards have a home – on your Christmas Tree.

Etsy – Go Vintage

Go back in time for your gift giving. Etsy has made finding wonderful vintage collectibles an art-form. Used gifts have never been so cool.

Christmas Tree Recycling

Don’t throw your Christmas Tree to the fate of the landfill. Most municipalities provide recycling services. And if you are in and around Louisiana support the effort to try and restore coastal marshland with Christmas Tree dumps.

Our team believes in the power of innovative, creative minds to do good. It’s always inspiring to see individuals and small businesses around the globe striving to set a better Cadence for the world we live in. Add to the list if you have a favorite to share.

images credits: Small Business Saturday

Do Something Huge, Shop Small

As we approach two years in business, we continue to be big supporters of our fellow Small Business Owners. So this Saturday, November 26th, join us as we participate in Small Business Saturday. Make a big impact by choosing to shop with one of your local shop owners. Whether in person or online, your decision to spend your hard earned money with small business owners shows that the time has come to move beyond mass consumerism. Let’s get back to purchasing items and supporting businesses that are specific to an individual, artful, made with care – not in a factory.

Check out some of our favorite small businesses – providing items made by craftsman and produced responsibly:

Eco-Simplista

An eco-friendly home improvement company. This hip store provides non-toxic products that are hand-picked not just because they are “green”, but because they work.

Acacia

Distinctive home good items hand picked by the shop-owner, will add worldly objects to your home. The jewelry, furniture, art and books you encounter here are rare finds you’re sure not to see in any other home.

Radio Active Records

An independent record store carrying a wide selection of vinyls, CD’s, cassettes and clothing. Specializing in both new and used vinyl records, this is the ultimate shop for the indie music lover.

Big Bite Offshore

For the offshore fisherman in your household, these custom hand-rigged lures are eye candy for prize game fish in South Florida and the Bahamas.

Culinary Concepts

This local shop specializes in outdoor grilling products. Providing a wide array of grills, smokers, fresh cut wood and a plethora of rubs. This family run store has food on the grill, and cold beer on tap when you arrive for weekend shopping.

Downtown Gym

Give the gift of fitness and health with a membership to this neighborhood gym. And if that isn’t enough, check out their companion store Downtown Bicycles.

Poketo (online)

This husband and wife team has devoted their business to providing inspirational goods made by artists. This shop gives everyone “Art for everyday”. Who knew shopping could be this inspiring.

Stag (a bonus for our friends in Austin)

Located in Austin, TX. STAG is classic and modern; traditional and progressive; new and old; respectful and rebellious.  Several parts: clothing – antique – gift – apothecary.  This is a modern day general store for every man.